For many years I misguidedly sought happiness where it didn’t exist. I didn’t understand the principles upon which it flowed. I did things that most people say are important or will make you happy (traveling the world, striving toward achievement, or taking on big and interesting projects), only to discover that happiness did not flow…
Category: Faith & Spirituality
The Day I Discovered My Father Was a Soviet
It was February 2008, and I was living in Moscow with a Russian host family. It was the evening of Election Day–a day when Russians voted for their new president, President Medvedev. The occasion gave me the opportunity to talk to my Russian host dad about a topic I had avoided: communism and politics in Russia….
Who Determines Your Worth?
Stephanie was 21 years old and engaged to a man she was crazy about. Everything but the gown was planned–the date, the colors, the venue. Announcements were out, the vendors were selected, and the bridesmaid dresses were picked out. It was her future, and she was thrilled about all of it. The lucky man was…
Dreams May Break, But We Don't Have To
Daniela Lopez is one of the nicest, sweetest, and most loving of persons I know. However, you would never guess how much pain and courage is there behind her kind and smiling eyes. “I have no family right now. My dreams are broken.” Since her childhood, Daniela believed that family was the foundation of everything:…
Together We Are Perfect
Six years ago, I was serving as a Mormon missionary. It’s something I did full-time for a year and a half of my life before getting married or finishing school. I learned some of my most valuable life-lessons in those short, cherished 18 months. I made friendships that will last forever and came to know…
The Dawning of a Brighter Day
The following is the story of a woman who lost a family member to suicide. In this article, she shares how this loss affected her, and how she was able to overcome the grief. Though we often do not know what provokes a person to take her own life, we do know that the effects…
Commitments of a Better Kind
About a year ago, I began asking myself questions about commitment. I wondered why I was still single and what it really meant to be truly and wholly committed. Wasn’t there anyone out there who I could be truly happy with? What would it take for me to finally commit to a long-term relationship? I…
Escaping Depression
I sat in the waiting room with my head lowered, careful to keep my face concealed behind the largest pamphlet that I could find. I didn’t want anyone to see me in this office—especially not anyone I knew. I was ashamed, so ashamed, to be going to see a therapist. I didn’t want to admit…